International Youth Year activities which were launched on Thursday evening at Duke Lodge will take place in three-month phases and will allow for public lectures, health sessions, and climate change panel discussions.
In addition, it will encourage youths to devote their energy, enthusiasm and creativity to economic, social and cultural development and the promotion of mutual understanding, according to a release from the Government Information Agency (GINA).
Young people will also be taught to deal with challenges and realize their maximum potential, which will influence current, social and economic conditions and the well-being and livelihood of future generations, GINA added.
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud who spoke at the launching ceremony stated that the dedication of an entire year to youths is necessary as they are future leaders.
He noted that there has been much concentration on youth development in the country and youths need to be responsible in order to utilize the opportunities that are presented to them.
“We have to conduct ourselves in terms of ensuring that we take up educational opportunities that are available, we must demonstrate leadership, not only in groups but at community level and we must offer guidance and support to other young people,” Minister Persaud urged.
He noted too that the theme which was selected will allow youths to alleviate and address conflicts and weaknesses that occur in the country, as well as the world.
“We must correct mistakes of the past and promote a healthy environment for dialogue,” Persaud said.
Meanwhile, the United Nations General Assembly dedicated August 12, 2010 to August 12, 2011 as International Youth Year, under the theme “Our year our voice.”
Programme Manager for the Common-wealth Youth Programme (CYP) Caribbean Centre in Guyana, Dwynette Eversley stated that there are various opportunities for youths to benefit from during the year. For instance, it is an opportunity for their voices to be heard, their issues to be known and to strengthen and enhance advocacy platforms on issues that impact them on a daily basis.
She added that the CYP’s aim is to increase and enhance youth participation in all aspects of decision making, and ensure that issues are reflected in policies and programmes that will assist to empower them.
The Guyana Public Service Union’s (GPSU) Youth committee has also planned activities to observe the special year dedicated to youths.
GPSU Young Workers’ Chairperson, Samantha Fedee pointed out that the GPSU has been addressing issues, particularly of young workers, for over 15 years and will continue to do so as challenges arise, the release concluded.